The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for myofascial pain syndrome due to new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for fatigue (secondary to myofascial pain syndrome), evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine with herniated nucleus pulposus at L4-L5, and TDIU are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Board found that new evidence received since the November 2005 rating decision relates to a previously unestablished fact regarding the Veteran's current diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome. The claims for service connection for fatigue (secondary to myofascial pain syndrome), evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine with herniated nucleus pulposus at L4-L5, and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional development.
- Claimed conditions
- myofascial pain syndrome, fatigue, degenerative changes of the lumbar spine with herniated nucleus pulposus at L4-L5
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 20, 2018
- Citation
- 18136699
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18136699.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the AOJ did not obtain all necessary opinions regarding whether the Veteran's symptoms are related to an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness (MUCMI). The claims for service connection for fatigue, fibromyalgia, left elbow disorder, right elbow disorder, and sleep disorder are remanded for further development.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, as secondary to tinnitus, is granted. The claims for service connection for hearing loss disability and a disability manifested by shortness of breath other than chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are denied. The claims for service connection for an intestinal disability (diverticulitis), fatigue, hypertension, neck disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, upper and lower back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right hip disability, left hip disability, right foot pain, left foot pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and an acquired psychiatric disorder are all denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left leg shin splints, right leg shin splints, joint pain (claimed as arthritis), sleep apnea, fatigue, neck condition, acne, and lung condition. The evidence did not show a current disability or link to military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and remanded the secondary service connection claims for GERD, hypertension, sleep apnea, gastritis, headaches, and fatigue as secondary to CAN.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.